The wait is finally over! Pi Network is thrilled to announce that the Open Network period of Mainnet will officially launch on February 20, 2025, at 8:00 AM UTC. This monumental milestone marks the culmination of six years of relentless effort, innovation, and collaboration by the entire Pi community. Together, we’re taking a giant leap toward realizing Pi’s vision of creating the world’s most inclusive peer-to-peer ecosystem, powered by Pi, our native cryptocurrency.

With over 10.14 million Mainnet migrations—surpassing our original goal of 10 million—and more than 19 million identity-verified Pioneers, Pi Network is ready to unveil its utilities-driven ecosystem. This launch will enable Pioneers to use Pi as a cryptocurrency with real-world applications, backed by a thriving and functional ecosystem.

On launch day, stay tuned for more exciting updates about the Open Network. But for now, let’s take a moment to reflect on Pi’s incredible journey, explore what to expect at the Open Network launch, and discuss how you can prepare for this new chapter.

Our Journey to Open Network

Pi Network’s six-year journey has been defined by deliberate phases, community-driven milestones, and a shared commitment to building a decentralized future. The current Mainnet Phase 3 began in December 2021 with the Enclosed Network period, which allowed the network to operate behind a firewall, preventing external connectivity. This phase laid the groundwork for Open Network by:

• Enabling Pioneers to complete KYC and migrate Pi to Mainnet.
• Empowering developers to build real-world apps and utilities for the Pi ecosystem.
• Allowing the Core Team to refine Pi’s features and infrastructure.

In March 2022, a new mining rewards formula was introduced, following a declining exponential model. This approach balanced network growth, accessibility, longevity, and scarcity while ensuring fair rewards for Pioneers’ contributions.

The Grace Period, enacted on July 1, 2024, further accelerated progress toward Open Network. This period struck a balance between giving Pioneers adequate time to complete KYC and creating urgency to migrate to Mainnet. By preventing unverified Pi from entering Mainnet, this strategy ensured that Pi could be redistributed for mining by other Pioneers.

Throughout this phase, Pioneers who migrated Pi to Mainnet were able to transact with one another within the network. A standout example was PiFest 2024, a week-long event that showcased Pi’s potential for local commerce. With over 27,000 active sellers, 28,000 test merchants, and participation from 950,000 Pioneers across 160 countries, PiFest demonstrated the seamless integration of Pi’s ecosystem—from store discovery on the Map of Pi to payments via Pi Wallet and social sharing on Fireside Forum.

What to Expect from Open Network at Launch

The Open Network launch introduces a game-changing feature: external connectivity. This upgrade will allow the Pi blockchain to securely interface with external systems, unlocking new opportunities for Pioneers and businesses alike.

Connecting Pi with the Outside World

With the firewall removed, Pi will be able to interact with other compliant networks and systems. This means Pioneers can engage in transactions beyond the Pi ecosystem, significantly expanding Pi’s utility and reach.

Additionally, anyone will be able to add nodes to the Mainnet blockchain. The Core Team will gradually invite Pioneers to transition their nodes from Testnet to Mainnet, prioritizing those with strong historical contributions and reliability scores. Node rank data will also be made public to ensure transparency.

Business Compliance Requirements

To maintain a safe and compliant ecosystem, participation in Mainnet activities will require KYC verification for Pioneers and KYB (Know Your Business) verification for businesses. This ensures that Pi remains a secure Web3 space where verified Pioneers and businesses can interact seamlessly.

Businesses can apply for KYB verification through the Pi website (link coming soon). Once Open Network launches, Pioneers will have access to a list of KYB-verified businesses, fostering trust and transparency within the ecosystem.

Update on Open Network Conditions

The Open Network launch date was determined based on the conditions shared with the community in December 2023. Thanks to the collective efforts of the Pi community, all conditions have been met, paving the way for this historic milestone.

Here’s a breakdown of the conditions and our progress:

1. Completion of Necessary Work: All technical, product, business, and legal requirements for Open Network have been fulfilled.
2. Community and Ecosystem Growth:
   • Over 19 million Pioneers have completed identity verification through Pi KYC, exceeding the original goal of 15 million.
   • 10.14 million Pioneers have migrated to Mainnet, surpassing the target of 10 million.
   • More than 100 Mainnet or Mainnet-ready apps have been developed, ensuring a vibrant and diverse utility ecosystem.
3. No Further Delays: The Open Network launch will proceed as planned, with no delays due to external factors or unfavorable conditions.

Pioneers who haven’t yet completed KYC or migrated to Mainnet are encouraged to do so as soon as possible. Engaging with Pi apps in the Pi Browser will further support ecosystem development and long-term utility.

How Pioneers and Developers Can Prepare

As we enter the Open Network period, the contributions of Pioneers and developers will be more critical than ever. Here’s how you can actively participate:

For Pioneers:

• Continue Mining: Adjust your mining efforts in line with the declining exponential issuance model and monthly limits.
• Build Utility: Engage with Pi apps, support the ecosystem, and help expand Pi’s real-world applications.
• Integrate Local Commerce: If you’re a store owner, consider accepting Pi to facilitate peer-to-peer transactions and bring Pi into everyday life.
• Complete KYC and Migration: If you haven’t already, complete KYC and migrate to Mainnet to fully participate in the Open Network.

For Developers:

• Refine Existing Apps: Address user needs and resolve any issues to ensure your apps are Mainnet-ready.
• Build New Apps: Contribute to the Pi ecosystem by developing innovative solutions that meet the needs of the community and beyond.

Let’s Build the Future Together

The launch of Open Network is just the beginning. As Pi Network enters this new phase, we invite Pioneers, developers, and businesses to collaborate, innovate, and drive the ecosystem forward. Together, we can ensure that Pi Network remains a sustainable, decentralized, and thriving community.

Mark your calendars for February 20, 2025, and get ready to witness the next chapter in Pi’s journey. The future is here, and it’s powered by you!

Stay tuned for more updates, and let’s make history together.

#PiNetwork #OpenNetwork #Mainnet #Crypto #Web3